Friday, September 21, 2007

Foundry on the rocks

Foundry owners want to sell club

They claim the city's objection to renewal of a liquor permit for The Foundry is hurting their ability to find a buyer for the business at 26 Wyandot Street.

"We've had our fill in running a night club and we want to sell," said Jon Neidert, who owns the club with Paul Ireton. "Nobody is going to buy it if they don't know if there is a future in it."

The City Commission, in April, objected to the renewal of the club's liquor permit based on input from police and neighbors.

There had been an increase in police calls at the club from 75 in 2005 to 116 in 2006 and reports had become more violent.

"This business can hold over 800 people at a time, so it is extremely dangerous for a few police officers to respond when the violence erupts," according to the objection.

Neidert said he has demonstrated good faith to the city by hiring professional security guards and curtailing a fractious Sunday night hip-hop event.

On Wednesday, he told city leaders that he's frustrated over the lack of response regarding the liquor permit, adding the hip-hop venue could be resurrected if the silent treatment continues.

"We've got to pay the bills somehow. We just need an answer," he said.

Commissioner Matt Joseph said the city is looking at the objection and that Neidert should get a response in two weeks. Joseph said he believes the owners have complied with everything the city asked of them.

In March, the club voluntarily dropped hip-hop night and closed on Sundays. Meanwhile, the Ohio Division of Liquor Control held a hearing July 30th on the renewal application. A decision will be made by the state in two weeks.

While I've only been the Foundry for a few events, this scenario seems to be indicative of a greater issue that the city seems to have with venues in this town. Certainly the Foundry is not without its issues, but I'm at a loss as to the behavior of the city in regards to the matter at hand.

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